Every Child Deserves a Strong Start

Early literacy changes lives. Make Way for Books helps Arizona families and educators put children on a path to success.

Our Approach

A woman in glasses and a red dress reads a picture book with a young boy seated on her lap. The open page includes the visible text “What is that?”

Child with brown hair in pigtails sits on a colorful playroom carpet, holding an open picture book that partly covers the face. The visible cover reads, “Come play with places! A friendly cloud full of feelings!”

Why Early Literacy Matters

Early literacy doesn’t just shape individual futures. It shapes our communities. From education and job opportunities to community health, strong early learning has wide-ranging and lasting impacts. When children have early literacy experiences regularly, they are 40% less likely to fall behind in school, which increases their chances of graduating high school and succeeding in life.

About Early Literacy

Our Early Literacy Programs

We provide parents, caregivers and early childhood educators with evidence-based tools and strategies that help them make the most of everyday learning.

A woman wearing glasses reads the picture book “Because of an Acorn” with a young girl at a table.

For Families

Birth to Five Literacy Journey

(Formerly Story School) This program supports families in fostering their child’s language and literacy through bilingual, evidence-based learning experiences.

About Birth to Five Literacy Journey

Two women sit at a table reviewing books and colorful learning materials in a classroom, with stacked trays behind them.

For Educators

Educator Literacy Collaborative

(Formerly The Story Project) This program equips early educators in childcare and preschool settings with coaching and resources.

About Educator Literacy Collaborative

Making an Impact

Our two signature programs, Educator Literacy Collaborative and Birth to Five Literacy Journey, empower educators and families to provide meaningful learning experiences for children. Plus, the free Make Way for Books app extends our reach by turning smartphones into libraries, story times and educational playrooms. And it works.

An adult woman wearing a pink hijab and matching clothing sits beside a young child in a pink shirt and blue jeans, looking together at an illustrated book on a colorful educational rug. Chairs and a tiled floor are visible in the background.

A baby in gray clothing faces a colorful hand puppet with black hair, a yellow bow, and a red cape. A smiling woman and young child stand blurred in the background.

A tablet displays a grid of illustrated children's book covers labeled “Read now” and “Lee ahora,” while a person points at one cover; two other people are blurred in the foreground.

Support Early Childhood Literacy

Too many children start school behind — and without early support, they often stay behind. Your gift helps Make Way for Books equip families and educators with the skills and resources to build a strong foundation for lifelong learning.